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Central Lutheran Church - Elk River
Established in 1948, Central Lutheran Church has been a beacon of faith and community in Elk River, Minnesota, for more than seven decades. Led by our dedicated Lead Pastor, Ryan Braley, we are a congregation deeply rooted in family values and intergenerational connection.
Central Lutheran Church offers two services every Sunday at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM, welcoming individuals and families of all ages to join us in worship and fellowship. Our services and activities are thoughtfully designed to engage, inspire, and strengthen the spiritual growth of each member of our church family, from the youngest to the eldest.
We pride ourselves on being a family-centered and family-focused church. Our intergenerational approach allows us to embrace and celebrate the rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives within our congregation, fostering a vibrant and supportive community.
Beyond the church walls, Central Lutheran Church is deeply committed to serving and uplifting the wider Elk River community. Our active involvement in local initiatives reflects our core belief in the power of faith in action, as we strive to put Christian love and compassion into practice.
At Central Lutheran Church, we don’t just attend church – we are the church. Join us as we continue to nurture faith, celebrate family, and serve our community, hand in hand.
Episodes
179 episodes
I Am the Way, the Truth, the Life with Ben Carruthers
Jesus' declaration "I am the way, the truth, and the life" isn't made during a theological debate or before a massive crowd. Instead, these profound words emerge around a dinner table as comfort for twelve confused disciples facing imminent los...
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23:13
Blind Faith {Reflections}
What happens when our spiritual vision gets things backward? Ryan explores two powerful Gospel narratives that flip conventional religious understanding on its head.First, we dive into John 9, where Jesus heals a man blind from birth—bu...
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8:20
Keep Your Eyes On Your Own Paper {Reflections}
Have you ever caught yourself looking at someone else's life, work, or talents and thinking, "What about them?" You're not alone. In this deeply reflective episode, we explore a fascinating moment between Jesus and Peter from John 21 that perfe...
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6:02
I Am the Light of the World with Ben Carruthers
Standing in the temple courts during the vibrant Festival of Sukkot, surrounded by massive oil lamps commemorating God's pillar of fire, Jesus makes his bold declaration: "I am the light of the world." The timing couldn't be more profound—momen...
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22:21
Two Pieces of Paper {Reflections}
Have you ever pondered the beautiful tension between your cosmic significance and humble origins? This reflective episode explores an ancient rabbinical practice of carrying two contradictory truths that perfectly balance our understanding of h...
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5:54
I Am the Gate with Pastor Ryan Braley
What happens when religious gatekeeping collides with divine compassion? Jesus' declaration "I am the gate for the sheep" emerges from a powerful confrontation over a man born blind—healed but subsequently expelled from the synagogue by religio...
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38:46
The Bread of Life with Pastor Ryan
What are we truly hungry for? In a world filled with temporary satisfactions, Jesus offers something far more substantial when he declares "I am the Bread of Life."This powerful statement—the first of seven "I Am" declarations in John's...
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35:46
Sitting in the Ashes with Ben Carruthers
The profound symbolism of Ash Wednesday unveils a journey from endings to new beginnings. Far from being simply a gloomy reminder of mortality, the message "you are dust, and to dust you shall return" offers a beautiful invitation to transforma...
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19:29
Finding God in the Debate {Reflections}
Ryan opens episode 77 of the Reflections podcast by sharing a fascinating encounter at Starbucks with a man who left his Protestant evangelical church to become Catholic. The man's surprising reason? He was tired of theological arguments and wa...
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6:36
Yirah, and That One Time I Was In the Ocean with Pastor Ryan Braley
Dive into a captivating exploration of the profound interplay between fear and wonder in the realm of faith in this episode. Drawing from personal stories and biblical narratives, we unpack the meaning of Yirah, a Hebrew word that translates to...
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41:10
Faith In the Dark with Ben Carruthers
What does the book of Nahum have to teach us about finding hope in darkness? As we dive deep into this often-overlooked minor prophet, we explore the harsh realities of life in Nineveh, a city steeped in wickedness and oppression. Through the l...
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25:11
School Principals, Logan’s Swimsuit, and the Pathos of God with Pastor Ryan Braley
Can the character of God be both wrathful and compassionate? Join us as we navigate this complex question, examining how these seemingly opposing forces might intertwine, particularly through the lens of the Minor Prophets. We invite you on a j...
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34:56
Comedic Reflections on a Biblical Story {Reflections}
Ever wondered why Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding? On our 75th episode of the Reflections podcast, I, Ryan, along with a group of lively young men, take a comedic yet insightful look at this intriguing story from t...
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7:50
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Adventures in Missing the Point with Ben Carruthers
Ever wonder how the struggles of an ancient society mirror the distractions we face today? Join me, Ben Carruthers, as I recount tales of my son Ezra’s delightful distractions and the Israelites’ own diversions from their mission, as captured i...
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28:56
Finding Belonging {Reflections}
What happens when you feel lost, yet are assured of an unwavering sense of belonging? Join us as we explore the timeless parables of the lost son, the lost sheep, and the lost coin from the Gospel of Luke, with a special focus on my all-time fa...
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8:32
The Dancing God with Pastor Ryan Braley
Can a prophet from the past illuminate our present? Join us as we explore the compelling world of Zephaniah, one of the so-called "minor" prophets who packs quite a punch in a small package. Through humor and historical context, we liken Zephan...
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32:43
Why You Were Created {Reflections}
Why did God create human beings? It's one of the oldest questions known to humanity, and we're tackling it head-on in our latest episode. Was it for worship, companionship, or perhaps something else entirely? Join us as we challenge these conve...
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6:54
Life Lessons are Many but Requirements are Few with Sonja Knutson
Micah, the prophet from a small town with a big message, challenges us to question: What does it truly mean to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God? Join me, Sonja Knutson, as we uncover the profound lessons from this seemingly qui...
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22:34
Understanding Existence Through Ancient Texts {Reflections}
What if a simple phrase could unlock the mysteries of existence itself? Join me, Ryan, on Reflections as we unravel the enigmatic dialogue between God and Moses in Exodus, chapter 3. Discover the profound layers of meaning behind God's response...
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6:56
Wait a Minute... with Pastor Ryan Braley
Can questioning authority be an act of faith? Join us as we explore the intriguing lives of the minor prophets in our series, "The B-Sides," and discover how their bold actions communicated divine messages. Our spotlight this week is on Habakku...
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33:06
Awakening to the Mystical Side of Faith {Reflections}
What happens when a search for meaning takes you through atheism, Buddhism, and even witchcraft, only to find resonance in an unexpected place? Paul Kingsnorth shares his remarkable spiritual journey with us, highlighting the stark contrasts be...
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9:52
Amidst Ruins with Pastor Ryan Braley
What if the hidden gems of the Old Testament have more to teach us than we ever realized? Journey with us into the world of the minor prophets in our new series, "The B-Sides: The Minor Prophets," where we unearth the timeless wisdom hidden in ...
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36:05
Challenging Truths: Embracing the Teachings of Jesus {Reflections}
Imagine standing in a crowd, captivated by a man whose words are as challenging as they are life-altering. That's the scene I explore today as we reflect on a poignant moment in the book of John, where Jesus, instead of pandering to the masses,...
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7:08
